The proposed Keystone XL pipeline[1] would carry oil extracted from Canada’s dirty tar sands over 2,000 miles through two provinces and six U.S. states to Gulf Coast refineries. Unless it is stopped, the U.S. and Canada are set to continue guaranteeing decades of mutual, self-inflicted oil addiction.

While both countries understand the consequences of that addiction, and like to portray themselves as clean energy supporters, building this pipeline would cement them permanently as dirty oil enablers. If a junkie says he wants to kick the habit, but then turns around and buys a 20-year supply, you would be right to question the sincerity of his efforts to clean up his act.